The United States is often described as a polarized nation. Part of the reason for that perspective is how neighborhoods, communities, and districts get structured. Instead of living in mixed areas, people are gravitating toward like-minded neighbors.
Every state has some areas of high political engagement. In the 2020 election cycle, released data shows that the Midwest is taking over from the Northeast as the most engaged region for elections.
What Are the Top States for Political Engagement?
Maine continues to lead the way as the most politically engaged state in the country. In the 2018 election, voter registration numbers topped 77%. About 64% of eligible voters came out to cast a ballot.
Following Maine are Montana, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Wyoming.
When you look at the top 10 states for political engagement, the Midwest comes out strong with 40% of the spots. Minnesota, Michigan, and North Dakota are all there, along with Missouri at No. 6.
What’s unique about the most engaged states for politics is that it’s a relatively even mix of Democratic and Republican areas. Washington makes the top 10 (at No. 10), but the state hasn’t voted for a GOP president since 1984 and hasn’t had a Republic Senator since 1998.
What About the Worst States for Political Engagement?
60% of the worst states in the country for political engagement are in the South. That includes Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
When you look at the old Mason-Dixon line, there’s a distinctive change in political engagement. With that said, 24 states had less than 50% voter turnout in the 2018 election. These findings should motivate us to do more to stay politically informed.